ALBERTA

Question 1

What is the Alberta Infant Motor Scale (AIMS)?

Answer 1

AIMS is an observational tool used to assess the maturation of motor skills in infants​

Question 2

What is the purpose of AIMS?

Answer 2

To evaluate motor development in infants through spontaneous movements.

To detect motor delays and assess neuromotor maturation

Question 3

What is unique about AIMS compared to other motor assessment scales?

Answer 3

Minimal handling by the examiner is required.

The examiner can interact with the infant to encourage movements​

Question 4

How long does an AIMS assessment take?

Answer 4

Approximately 30 minutes

Question 5

Which infants are eligible for an AIMS evaluation?

Answer 5

Infants from birth (40 weeks) to 18 months of age.

Infants with typical development and no medical concerns.

Infants with suspected motor delays but no predisposing conditions.

Infants at risk of developmental delays.

Infants with specific diagnoses who exhibit immature but typical motor patterns

Question 6

What is the recommended environment for conducting an AIMS assessment?

Answer 6

0-4 months: Examination table.

4+ months: Mat or carpeted area for natural movement.

Necessary equipment:
- Toys appropriate for 0-18 months
- Stable bench or chair
- AIMS score sheet and graph​

Question 7

Necessary equipment:

Answer 7

Toys appropriate for 0-18 months
Stable bench or chair
AIMS score sheet and graph​

Question 8

What are the four motor positions evaluated in AIMS?

Answer 8

Prone (lying on stomach)
Supine (lying on back)
Sitting
Standing​

Question 9

Why are multiple positions assessed in AIMS?

Answer 9

To observe natural movements across different postures.

To evaluate postural control, weight-bearing, and transitions​

Question 10

How is scoring conducted in AIMS?

Answer 10

Each item is scored as “observed” or “not observed”.

The total score is plotted on an AIMS growth chart to determine motor development relative to age​

Question 11

What does a low AIMS score indicate?

Answer 11

A potential delay in motor development, suggesting the need for further evaluation​

Question 12

What does a high AIMS score indicate?

Answer 12

That the infant’s motor development is on track or advanced​

Question 13

Why is early detection of motor delays important?

Answer 13

Early detection allows for early intervention, improving long-term motor outcomes.

Helps in diagnosing neurological or musculoskeletal conditions​

Question 14

How does AIMS differ from other developmental screening tools?

Answer 14

AIMS focuses specifically on motor development, while other tests assess broader developmental areas (e.g., cognition, language)​